====== Gateways ======

**Gateways** are special [[create:points|Points]] in Questies that serve as controlled access points for **Walled Areas**. They act as doorways or paths that allow [[:players|Players]] and [[:npcs|NPCs]] to move between [[create:areas|Areas]] while respecting the boundaries defined by the Walled toggle.

==== Key Features of Gateways ====

  * **Connection Between Areas**: Gateways enable movement in and out of Walled Areas, ensuring Players can only enter or exit through specific, predefined Points.
  * **Integration with Walled Areas**: When an Area is set to **Walled**, all entry and exit require the use of Gateways. This maintains the integrity of enclosed spaces like cities, forts, or restricted regions.
  * **Pathfinding**: Gateways are automatically used by the pathfinding system when navigating between Areas. Characters traveling into or out of a Walled Area will route through the nearest Gateway.

==== Configuration of Gateways ====

Gateways are created by toggling the **Gateway** option on a Point. For the Gateway to function:
  * The Point must be placed precisely on the border of one or two Areas.
  * The Areas connected by the Gateway must have their boundaries defined correctly, using **x1, x2, y1, y2, and [[create:z_levels|Z-Level]]**.

Once configured, the Gateway automatically detects the Areas it connects to and becomes the designated entry and exit point for those Areas.

==== Gameplay Use ====

Gateways are used for creating realistic boundaries within the [[create:start|World]]. For example:
  * A **city gate** Point serves as a Gateway, allowing Players to enter or leave a Walled city.
  * A **forest path** Gateway provides controlled access between two distinct regions.
  * An **underground passage** Gateway might connect two underground areas.